Safety Officer

Careers at DPH:Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service Inspiring Innovation Promoting Teamwork Pursuing Excellence and Advancing Equity

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is a statewide leader committed to protecting and improving the health and quality of life of every resident and visitor in South Carolina. With nearly 2200 passionate public health professionals working across all regions of the state DPH delivers innovative community-driven services that make a lasting impact. The Employee Health and Safety Department is located on the State Health Campus in Cayce SCour central hub for collaboration preparedness and statewide operations.

The Safety Officer serves as a vital contributor to DPHs mission by fostering a safe compliant and forward-thinking work environment. This role leads the planning implementation and oversight of workplace safety initiatives that support employee well-being uphold regulatory standards and strengthen operational resilience across the agency. Ideal candidates bring strong knowledge of federal and state workplace safety regulations; excellent judgment; and a keen attention to detail. Success also requires the ability to analyze risk trends conduct thorough safety assessments and translate technical safety principles into clear actionable guidance for staff at all levels.

In addition the Safety Officer must be comfortable leveraging emerging technologies and data-driven tools to enhance safety programs streamline reporting and support innovative approaches to hazard prevention. Strong communication collaboration problem-solving and project-management skills are essential along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and build trusted partnerships with leadership and employees. Through this work the Safety Officer helps cultivate a proactive innovative culture where safety and technology work hand-in-hand to support high-quality public health services statewide.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety Program Management & Compliance
  The Safety Officer leads the development implementation and continuous enhancement of workplace safety programs aligned with OSHA standards and South Carolina regulations. This includes incorporating innovative approaches to strengthen program effectiveness and ensure consistent safety practices across the organization. The role monitors compliance identifies gaps and recommends practical corrective actions while ensuring timely and accurate reporting of all required safety documentation. The Safety Officer also leads a forward-thinking and responsive safety committee dedicated to continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving.
• Inspections & Risk Assessment

• Emergency Preparedness
  The Safety Officer plays an active role in emergency planning and response contributing expertise to preparedness initiatives and organizational readiness efforts. This includes participating in emergency drills supporting coordinated response activities and applying technology-enhanced tools that improve communication situational awareness and response capabilities.
• Training & Safety Culture
  To strengthen a highly engaged and informed workforce the Safety Officer develops and delivers training on critical safety topics such as hazard communication infection control and emergency response. Training methods incorporate modern platforms digital content and interactive tools that enhance partnership with leadership the Safety Officer analyzes safety trends applies data-driven insights and champions innovative approaches that reinforce a strong technology-forward culture of safety across the department.

State Minimum Requirements: High school diploma and experience in occupational safety industrial hygiene or related programs or Bachelors degree in a related field (e.g. public health environmental health safety engineering) may substitute for experience.

Agency Additional Requirements: Bachelors degree in occupational safety environmental health public health or related field with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in workplace safety risk management or occupational health. Experienced in developing and delivering safety training programs. Ability to provide training to small and large groups.

Possess a valid unrestricted drivers license and the ability to operate both personal and state vehicles.

• Public health or government environment experience
• Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or OSHA certifications

EEO:The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation) national origin age (40 or older) disability or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesnt impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the States Disaster Plan which includes hazardous weather Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid drivers license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health dental vision long-term disability and life insurance for employees spouse and children. Clickhere for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available(S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan(SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program(State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.